Previous
Literary Devices
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Chapter 1 — The Science of Deduction
Explanation and Analysis—Romancing the Square:
In Chapter 1, the reader meets the detective Sherlock Holmes and the unconventional—and highly principled—methods that he employs in his detective work. Holmes explains his philosophy of "detection" through simile and allusion:
'Honestly, I cannot congratulate you upon it. Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner. You have attempted to tinge it with romanticism, which produces much the same effect as if you worked a love-story or an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid.'
Related Themes:
Chapter 6 — Sherlock Holmes Gives a Demonstration
Explanation and Analysis—The Erudite Holmes:
In Chapter 6, Holmes must contend with the incompetent Athelney Jones, a local policeman whose shoddy intuition about Bartholomew's murder hinders Holmes's own investigation into the crime. As Holmes disparages Jones to Watson (and the reader), he lets loose two literary allusions—one in French, one in German:
Unlock with LitCharts A+'He can find something,' remarked Holmes, shurgging his shoulders; 'he has occasional glimmerings of reason. Il n'y a pas des sots si incommodes que ceux qui on de l'esprit?'
Related Themes:
